Two solid victories were sandwiched around two not-so-great losses as Yakima Valley and Lower Columbia split a four game set in Longview March 2nd and 3rd at Story Field.

The Devils looked a bit tense in the first game of the season as Yakima Valley hit three homers and went on to beat LCC 10-4.  Sam Waterman had a great game for the Yaks going 3 for 5 with five RBI's and two homers.  Matt James also went deep for Yakima Valley.

Mitch Lines took the loss going five innings and allowing six runs on eight hits.  Freshman Dakota Hawkins came on and allowed four runs and five hits in his four-inning college debut.

Jhamante Woods had two hits and two RBI's for LCC.  Zach Threlfall and Noah Andrews each went 2 for 4.

The Devils bounced back in the Saturday nightcap defeated YVC 4-1.  Justin Solt was on point in his first start of the season as he allowed just three  hits and one run in six solid innings.  Solt fanned eight Yaks.

Freshman Alex Brady came and provided a three inning save allowing just three hits and zero runs.  Brady worked out of a ninth inning jam to collect a save in his college debut.

Andrews was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Hunter Cook had a hit, an RBI and a run scored.

Sunday saw LCC get another outstanding pitching performance from Yancy Bird.  Bird went 6 1/3 innings scattering five hits and just one run.  DeShawn Johnson came in in relief but gave up a two-out, two-run triple in the top of the ninth.  Bird came away with a no-decision.

Shortstop Trevor Paro had DJ's back by hitting a walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth, his first collegiate home run and a game winner triggering a victorious celebration.

Prior to the big hit by Paro, Shane Jamison had two hits and Threlfall was 2 for 4 with two RBI's.

The series finale was one to flush.  Yakima Valley touched up the four Red Devil pitchers for 17 runs and 15 hits. The pitching highlite for LCC was the solid 3 1/3 innings of Kaden Vanderwerf.  In his college debut, Vandy allowed just three hits, no runs and four strikeouts.

The Devils will host another solid NWAC team when the Lane Titans come to Story Field for a four game set Friday and Saturday March 8th and 9th.  Friday's double header begins at 3:00 pm and Saturdays twinbill begins at 11:00 am.